DOH reiterates warning vs dengue

The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated yesterday its warning against dengue, saying that possible breeding sites of dengue-causing mosquitoes must be eliminated.

In an advisory, the DOH asked the public should cover and clean all water containers, and even flower vases, at least once a week because they could serve as breeding ground for aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

DOH noted that even gutters should be cleared of debris and leaves while used tires and tin cans should be discarded because water could build up there.

Aedes aegypti are day-biting mosquitoes that lay eggs in clean, but stagnant waters. They have white stripes in their legs and body.

DOH records showed that in Metro Manila alone, there were 3,657 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Aug. 19. This is 47 percent higher that the 2,498 cases during the same period last year.

Of the 3,657 cases, 41 resulted in deaths. The ages of the victims ranged from one year to 76 years old.

DOH also asked the public to be vigilant if any family member manifests dengue symptoms, like sudden onset of high fever which may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, skin rashes, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The agency added that if such symptoms persist, the affected individuals must immediately be sent to doctors.